Trauma informed practice curriculum piloted

In August a Tip Curriculum, developed by an advisory group from across the province, was made available to support translating this knowledge into practice, with an invitation to health authorities to pilot the curriculum. The curriculum builds on the TIP Guide to support learning for practitioners, managers, leaders and all levels of staff in agencies.

The Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) guide and the TIP Organizational Checklist were developed by a provincial advisory group led by Nancy Poole (BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s health) and Diane Smylie (BCCW).

The guidelines translate trauma-informed principles into practice, describing concrete strategies to guide the professional work of practitioners working with people with mental health and substance use concerns in British Columbia.

The curriculum builds on the principles and practices of trauma informed approaches:

●Trauma Awareness

● Emphasis on safety and trustworthiness

● Opportunity for choice, collaboration and connection

● Strengths based and skill building

Since May 2013 a “Trauma Champions” community of practice has been convening monthly to exchange knowledge, passion and ideas around how to bring trauma Informed principles into the practices at their respective work-sites. Currently there are  35 staff from across the health region engaged with this group.

These “champions” from across the health region were willing to facilitate the pilot training in their communities. In the month of September, 158 staff and community partners engaged in one-day TIP workshops in Vancouver (2), Richmond, North Shore & Squamish, with a 2 day workshop offered in Sechelt through a CAI in partnership with Sechelt Nations Indian Band.

All workshops were evaluated and feedback submitted to the TIP advisory committee. Participants overwhelmingly agreed that they want more training and workplace support to be trauma informed in their practice, and that this collaborative, supportive approach to care will benefit not only people accessing services, but will support the staff who are vicariously exposed to trauma in the nature of their work.

With the understanding that many services are unable to support all staff to attend a full day workshop, some of the TIP material will be made available as on-line learning modules, with future workshops being facilitated in ½ day sessions. Our hope is that all staff in all services will be supported to attend these workshops and come to appreciate the importance and relevance of being trauma informed.